"Six months ago, I completed my driving course but have since been unable to find a job due to the scarcity of opportunities in the village. As a result, I decided to start a motorcycle business, which brings in an average income of $2.31. However, this amount is insufficient to purchase food and other household necessities. The inability to secure a job and earn a sufficient income to support myself and my wife, Rasoa, is currently making life challenging."

"As a family of four, we have encountered numerous challenges, with the two primary issues being our health and food security. Last year, in February 2023, my husband faced a health condition that not only affected his ability to urinate normally but also necessitated surgery. This situation has presented significant challenges for us, particularly since I also have a health issue with my leg. Given that I am the sole breadwinner in the family, the task of securing funds for medical expenses has become exceedingly difficult. Health has been one of the primary concerns, with food insecurity being the other. This year, the rains have failed us, exacerbating our already challenging situation."

"My top priority for this year is to buy a modern bed for myself. I currently use an old traditional bed made of ropes, which is very uncomfortable to sleep on. I plan to use my savings to purchase a new bed, along with beddings and a mattress. Having a comfortable place to sleep will greatly improve my living conditions and provide me with peace of mind. I am genuinely grateful for the achievements I have made so far and look forward to a brighter future."

"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to acquire more goats. Increasing my herd will provide a valuable safety net in case of any financial emergencies. I plan to use my savings along with upcoming transfers to achieve this. Having a reliable source of income from my goats will bring me great peace of mind and satisfaction. I am genuinely grateful for the progress I have made, all thanks to the support from GiveDirectly."

"In the upcoming year, my focus is on investing in livestock, particularly goats, given their cost-effectiveness and quick reproduction. My primary aim is to build up a herd of goats, with the intention of eventually selling them to acquire a cow, which I view as a valuable investment. I will utilize my upcoming transfers to accomplish this goal. Owning a cow will provide additional income, especially if it reproduces and I can sell the offspring. The supplementary income will also enable me to meet the educational expenses of my son, who is in junior secondary school. I am deeply grateful to this organization for enhancing my living standards through their financial support."

"My primary goal for this year is to build a poultry shed to house my chickens. I am happy to report that I have accumulated over twenty chickens so far, thanks to the transfers, but I lack a proper space to keep all of them. I plan to use upcoming transfers and my savings to buy materials such as cement, iron sheets, and building poles. This will ensure that my poultry have a safe and secure space to thrive. I am deeply grateful for this assistance, as without it, I would not be where I am today. This support has made a significant difference in my life, and I am excited about the future and the opportunities it will bring."

"My goal for this year is to expand my livestock activities by purchasing more goats and cows. I plan to use the upcoming transfers to achieve this. Increasing my livestock will provide a valuable investment that will benefit me even after the project ends, creating a lasting legacy. I am pleased with the progress I have made so far, as it ensures that my family will be well taken care of in case of any urgent needs. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has significantly improved our situation."

"School fees for my son are the current challenge I am facing in life. I do casual jobs making approximately $20 per month, which caters to food only. My son dropped out of college, where he was doing a medical course, two years ago."

"I have five children to take care of after my husband passed away two years ago. It is depressing to rely on part-time work that pays $3.10 a day, barely enough to cover my family's essential expenses.Due to high demand, these jobs are not always available, though. The inconsistency of these jobs is what is currently bothering me and making my life difficult."

"Lack of employment is the current challenge I am facing in life. I do casual jobs at the nearby mining quarry. However, the job was stopped two months ago due to a lack of proper safety measures at the site. This has affected me financially; thus, I cannot afford to provide food for the family."